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The greater options almost didn't matter. We arrived at GHS only to find that the AMW L1010 motor we had ordered had not. So our plans for an early launch on Saturday were scrubbed. Later in the day we learned that a 75mm Aerotech L850 had become available, and that Andy Woerner had offered to loan us a casing. We feverishly tried to get ourselves ready to launch on Saturday afternoon - but when the wind started really blowing later in the day, we decided to wait until the next morning.
We finished our preparations in time to haul our pride and joy out to the pad by 9:30. About 10:00 we armed the electronics - A G-Wiz LC Deluxe 400 in the booster, and in the sustainer, a G-Wiz and a Missile Works WRC2 Wireless Remote Control. The charges were wired so that the G-Wiz flight computers controlled all the flight events (parachute deployments and sustainer ignition) and the remote control would provide backup for the sustainer events. The sustainer igniters were electric matches dipped in pyrogen, We had two igniters in the sustainer, one wired to the G-Wiz, and one wired to the WRC2.
A quick countdown, and the L motor came to life.
The boost was beautiful - the photos show just how picturesque it was. The L850 muscled the rocket to 3447 feet - but then the sustainer failed to ignite. Brad pressed the remote button with no result, first the igniter backup, then the parachute. Nothing. The sustainer piled in at searing speed uncomfortably close to Andy Woerner's RV and trailer.
We are still unsure about why both sets of sustainer electronics failed to operated. We have photographic proof (left) that we remembered to arm the electronics, and we listened to the continuity signals. What's more, when picking through the wreckage we noticed powderburn residue on the brand-new main deployment bag. There was no reason for the main to fail to deploy if the charges fired. This will probably remain a mystery.
The booster chute deployed nicely and was recovered without incedent. The sustainer was totally demolished - there were only a few pieces that were larger than a postage stamp - but it was a relief knowing that no one was hurt and no other property was damaged.
We saved some survivng items, like tail fins, motor retainer, and booster coupler, just in case the itch comes along to build a second sustainer to match the second booster. Don't be too surprised if this rocket shows up again!
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